Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno will retain her position as the chamber’s top Republican.

The incoming class of Senate Republicans chose her in a closed door meeting Wednesday night by a 12 to six vote, with one voting “present”.

The Lemont Republican, who is thought of as a moderate, fended off a challenge by Sen. Kyle McCarter of Lebanon. He’s a businessman who launched a challenge for the leadership post after Senate Democrats secured a 40-seat supermajority – a number that allows Democrats to pass legislation without any GOP support.

Radogno has served in the Illinois Senate since 1997 and has been the GOP leader for four years.

The legislature’s other three leaders didn’t face any competition. House Speaker Michael Madigan retained his post, as did Senate President John Cullerton and House Minority Leader Tom Cross.